Microbial degradation of DDT

Abstract

A process for the microbial degradation of DDT which comprises treating the DDT with certain nonpathogenic, hydrocarbon-utilizing strains of Nocardia, Candida and penicillium until the DDT has been substantially degraded. The process is effective for degrading DDT as it may be present as a pollutant or contaminant in water, in industrial effluents, in various land areas such as industrial sites and the like or in varied laboratory or commercial installations. The process may also be used to clean up and degrade mixtures of DDT and various hydrocarbon oils or petrochemicals wherever their presence constitutes a deleterious pollutant.

I claim: 
     
       1. A process for the microbial degradation of dichlorodiphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT) which comprises treating the DDT with Penicillium sp. ATCC 20,369 for a sufficient time until the DDT has been substantially degraded. 
     
     
       2. The process of claim 1, wherein the microorganism is mixed with a cellulosic material. 
     
     
       3. The process of claim 1, wherein the microorganism is mixed with a cellulosic material, a nitrogen source and a phosphorus source. 
     
     
       4. The process of claim 1, wherein the microorganism is employed in a slurry form. 
     
     
       5. The process of claim 1, wherein the microorganism is employed in a pelletized form. 
     
     
       6. The process of claim 1, wherein the microorganism is employed in a powdered form. 
     
     
       7. The process of claim 1, wherein the microorganism is employed in the form of a foam. 
     
     
       8. The process of claim 1, wherein the DDT is contained in an aqueous solution and the microorganism is added thereto in slurry form in an amount of about 1 to 5% by volume. 
     
     
       9. The process of claim 1, wherein the DDT is contained in an aqueous solution which additionally contains hydrocarbon oils or other petrochemicals.